BISMILLAH ER REHMAAN NIR RAHEEM

 

How to Be a Productive Patient (Part 1)

 

Two years ago in Ramadan, my kidneys shut down. Over the following six months, I underwent dialysis in the form of three weekly 4-hour sessions. A few days after Mubarak stepped down, I was being prepped for a life-changing event: a kidney transplant.

Not to delve into my medical background, over the years I’ve tried to befriend a chronic illness for the sake of leading a normal life, enduring hospital stays, and undergoing painful medical procedures. On this journey, I faltered and got away with noncompliance, taking Allah’s blessings for granted. After 11 years of more downs than ups, I finally got it. Yes, the damage was done, but then it was all set in stone even before I was born.

Drawing on my experience, in this series I’d like to share with you several medical, spiritual and social tips that have helped me become a productive patient, in hopes of helping others who may be going through a similar situation or know someone who is.

I will begin by covering top medical tips, which relate to managing one’s illness and time effectively, and looking after oneself, stressing the importance of being a well-informed patient and playing an active role in the doctor-patient relationship.
Medical/Personal Tools

1. Educate yourself about your condition.

It is important that you understand your condition well—its causes, symptoms, progression, etc.—in addition to any medication you’re taking for it, primarily their side effects and the role they play in your treatment. You can consult trusted websites like Mayo Clinic’s, WebMD, and Medscape, plus ask your doctor all the questions you have. The same applies to any procedure or surgery you’re about to go through. Being prepared and knowing what to expect makes the experience a lot easier. Also, go prepared to your appointments with any questions or concerns. If you need to make lifestyle changes, like lower your salt intake or lose some weight, spring into action. A word of caution: don’t take medical action based on what you read; always validate with your doctor any relevant study or piece of information you come across. Don’t turn it into an obsession either!

2. Be completely compliant.

Beware of falling into this trap: “I feel good today. I’ll skip my medication.” Undoubtedly, the ultimate Healer is Allah; in the words of Prophet Ibrahim   (peace be upon him): 

“And when I am ill, it is He who cures me” [26:80]

However, tawakkul (reliance upon Allah) also involves taking the means, i.e. medical treatment. So, if you have current or future concerns about your medication, discuss them with your doctor. If you’re taking too many pills and feel confused, buy a pill organizer that’s easy to carry around—they come in assorted colors, shapes and sizes! If you’re forgetful, set a daily alarm or ask family members to remind you. If you tend to prioritize your work or studies (my favorite excuse!), remind yourself that without your health in top shape, you cannot accomplish anything. Treat your medication as you would treat your daily prayers.

3. Listen to your body.

Our body is an amazing creation that deserves our attention and care; it is a blessing that Allah   (glorified and exalted be He) will hold us accountable for if we neglect it. Most of the time, it will give you signals when something is about to go wrong. When you feel stressed out, give your body the rest it needs. If you notice a new or strange symptom, check with your doctor immediately. Follow a healthy diet, sleep well, and get regular exercise. Learning how to work with your body goes a long way in managing your health.

4. Spend your time wisely.

Hospital stays and recovering at home typically involve plenty of free time. Stay productive without overworking your body. For example, I used my time on dialysis to study for two SAT exams and keep up with my Quran memorization. When I felt too tired to exert mental effort, I slept, watched some TV, or chatted with the nurses. The inpatient routine in particular involves waking up early (for breakfast, medication, and doctor rounds) and going to bed early (the lights are switched off). My top two tools were my laptop and internet USB and a variety of books. This is also a good chance to think about and set your goals, write articles or personal reflections, and finish any procrastinated non-physical activity!

As an aspiring medical student and time-conscious person, I exceled at no.1 and 4 above, but failed miserably at being compliant and – more often than not – pushed myself to the extreme. Partly as a result, my condition worsened before I realized my mistakes. In a nutshell, listen to your doctor and always put your health first! In the next part of this series, we will move on to the spiritual tools that contribute to a patient’s productivity.

About the Author:

Dina El-Zohairy is Head of Content & Translation at ProductiveMuslim’s Arabic website. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management and works as Graduation Coordinator at a university, yet has always wanted to become a medical doctor. Dina enjoys writing and started freelance translation and editing a few years ago with Egypt-based Dar al-Tarjama. Now, she is seriously considering pursuing postgraduate studies in translation. by Dina El-Zohairy

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How to be a productive patient –Spiritual Tools-Part 2

 

Part 1 of this series covered medical-related advice that is meant to equip patients with the knowledge they need to manage their disease effectively as well as improve their quality of life and maintain good health.

In Part 2, I move on to the spiritual tools, which every Productive Muslim cannot do without during any trial, including severe or sudden illness. Know that in spite of advances in modern medicine, the outcome of any treatment, progression of any disease, and how our entire body functions, lies within Allah’s dominion, not science or a world-renowned surgeon. He (glorified and exalted be He) is whom we turn to in times of need and supplicate with a sincere heart, expecting good. 

Spiritual Tools

1. Make dua’a regularly.

“And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him” [6:17]

Equipped with this belief and keeping in mind that a patient’s supplication is answered, insha’Allah, learn and recite the duas that have been recorded in the Quran and sunnah (Prophet’s tradition), such as Prophet Ayyub’s  (peace be upon him): 

“Indeed, adversity has touched me, and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful” [21:83]

Furthermore, there are beautiful litanies for healing written by the great spiritual masters of the Islamic tradition. If you’re in pain, place your hand at the site of pain and say this du’aa. In general, this is an excellent chance to renew your imaan (faith) and get closer to Allah by making dua, reading Quran, engaging in constant dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and giving charity where possible.

2. Learn the rulings on ritual purification and prayer for the sick.

Prayer, unlike fasting, is an obligatory act of worship that even the sick are not exempt from. However, in certain conditions, the form of prayer might change, as in war or travel. When sick, if you cannot stand up in prayer, sit. If you cannot sit, pray lying down. If you cannot move your limbs, pray with your eyes. No matter how tired you feel, don’t sever this link with your Creator, not at a time when you need Him most! Wudu’ (ablution) can also be replaced with tayammum (dry ablution) if the use of water will harm you. Allah has facilitated worship for us at all times, so stay steadfast on your prayers! For a detailed list of rulings, check out this page.

3. Be patient by contemplating the reality of this world and remembering the rewards attached.

Waiting is not a pleasant state to be in, but as a patient, waiting is inevitable: waiting for test results to come out, waiting for a drug to kick in, waiting to be discharged. So, being patient per se is a must; it’s your state of mind and heart during it that really matter. Do you constantly complain and ask, “Why me?” Are you depressed and feel that your life has lost meaning? Then you have not understood the purpose of worldly life.

During our limited time on earth, every human being will be tested, and illness is a type of test. Simply accept this fact, which Allah  (glorified and exalted be He) establishes at various points in the Quran, such as: 

“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient”[2:155].

Next, remind yourself of the numerous rewards promised for those who are patient in times of hardship, especially sickness. You will then feel blessed rather than distressed! Below are some of the words that comfort me the most:

“No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that” [Bukhari]. 

“When a slave falls ill or travels, then he will get reward similar to that he gets for good deeds practiced at home when in good health” [Bukhari].

“Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account”[39:10] 

“It became more severe so when its rings entangled me / It was relieved and I thought it [relief] would not come about” [poetry by Imam al-Shafi].

Being sick and weak is humbling; it is a powerful reminder of our powerlessness and constant need for Allah. Remember Allah at all times so that He would remember you in your time of need.

4. Stay positive!

Thinking well and positively of Allah at all times is crucial, for Allah  (glorified and exalted be He) says: 

“I am to My servant the way he expects me to be towards him. And I am with him when he remembers Me” [Bukhari and Muslim].

A true believer also knows that there is goodness behind anything that befalls him; if it is delightful he will be thankful and be rewarded and if it is unpleasant he will be patient and be rewarded, as per the famous hadith. Learn to look at the bright side of things, e.g. a prolonged hospital stay means more time off work, while weight gain implies shopping for new clothes. Stay positive and expect good news every morning, and don’t forget to smile—it does wonders and it’s the sunnah!

Alhamdulillah, this is an area I fared well at, which is perhaps why people were always surprised to find out I had a chronic illness, and more recently a kidney transplant; it’s hard to tell! It all boils down to accepting Allah’s decree, doing your part, and not worrying about the future. Allah will  reward you with peace of mind, ease after difficulty, and countless blessings. Health is truly a blessing to be appreciated, so make the most of it while it lasts

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 by Dina El-Zohairy

(Source of http://productivemuslim.com)

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications.  

Compiled, edited and adapted by Khalid Latif, www.thekhalids.org

  

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